Chapter Blurb: Serena chooses to lend the heroes a hand on their journey to the Unknown Dungeon, where they deal with more than they bargained for.
Welcome back to our regularly scheduled program. I hope everyone had a good week and has an even better weekend.
Question of the Week: Who is your second favorite Pokégirl?
Might be obvious if you're reading this, but thought I'd ask anyone. Anyway, let's get on with it!
Chapter 23: Three Little Birds
"Who would like dessert?" Grace emerged from the kitchen with a plate of PokéPuffs for the heroes and their Pokémon gathered in the dining room.
"We would!" Ash and May smiled. A delighted Ash savored the bittersweetness of the chocolate PokéPuff he took a bite of. May licked her lips, "Yummy, these taste just like Serena's!"
A pleased Grace held her hips, "Of course. Who do you think Serena inherited her baking skills from?"
Serena rubbed her head, "Took a while, but we got there." The Kalos Queen turned to Red, who took small nibbles. "Is it alright, Red?" Serena hoped he wasn't allergic or anything.
Red flashed a soft smile, "Yes, I'm just taking my time with it." The trainer took another small bite of the PokéPuff. It'd been many years since Red had gotten the opportunity to eat a PokéPuff. It tasted just like he remembered it.
"Are you sure you're Ash and May's son?" Grace teased him over his appetite.
"Last I checked," Red chuckled. He turned to Ash and May, who had frosting all over their mouths. His face blushed from embarrassment when he saw how dirty their faces were. Red pointed at his cheek, "You've got some." A bashful Ash and May looked at each other and laughed. The couple proceeded to wipe each other's faces.
Serena admired their affection. "They never change." Serena stirred her cup of decaf coffee, thinking of how nice it must be for them to have each other. The performer snapped out of her trance when Ash spoke.
"We can't thank you enough for hosting us tonight," Ash appreciated their hospitality.
Grace bowed, "You always have a home here, you two."
Serena nodded, "I was glad that you called." After learning from Goh of Ash's journey, she was eager to hear his enthusiastic voice again. When Serena received his call, she invited them without a second thought. "The place you're headed doesn't appear too far from here either," Serena recalled.
"That was a nice coincidence, too," May finished the last of her PokéPuff.
Red folded his arms, "The locals call it the Unknown Dungeon. That's where we'll find the next plate."
"Do you know which plate could be there?" Serena's interest grew.
"Unfortunately, no," May sighed, but then she perked up. "Although, we've made it this far!" Serena grinned at her go-getter attitude.
May was startled when Ash bolted up with his hands on the table, "Serena, you should come with us!" The brunette wondered if he'd gotten too much sugar in his system. Red shifted his eyes between Ash, May, and Serena before he took a sip of his matcha.
Serena looked at an excited Ash. She was also surprised by his sudden invitation, "Well, I do know enough about how to get there." The performer scratched her cheek, "I don't know. I feel like I might get in the way if you run into trouble. I don't want to be a burden."
"Never! You should come," May intervened, surprising Serena and Red. Ash agreed with May's remark. The coordinator nodded, "We could use your help." Red studied them, especially Serena.
Serena sheepishly smiled, "You win. I'll come then." She appreciated their willingness to have her join their trek to the Unknown Dungeon.
Ash pumped his fist in response. The eager Monarch turned to Red, "Red, you'll love traveling with Serena."
"She's a lot of fun," May added. Red chuckled at their excitement and welcomed Serena on board. Red thanked Serena for her decision, recognizing they could always use an extra hand.
Grace beamed over their courage and heroism, "Just remember to return safe and sound. That goes for all four of you," the mother reminded them. After everyone was done eating, Serena's mother collected their plates and excused herself. Red stretched over the table while Ash yawned.
Ash rubbed his eye, "I'm all tuckered out. I'll catch everyone first thing in the morning." He gave a dopey smile as he dragged himself upstairs to the guest room.
"I'll catch up with you soon," May stayed behind to keep Serena company in the living room.
"Get some rest soon, we'll need it," Red said. Serena and May assured him that they would, which prompted him to grin and thank Serena before he went to his room.
Serena served herself another warm cup of coffee. As May watched her pour, she spoke, "I feel bad that we took your room, Serena. Are you sure it's alright? Ash would be willing to sleep on the couch."
Serena giggled, "Don't say that. I'm the one who volunteered to give you my room, besides, I think he'd be better prepared for tomorrow if he slept on a bed." May gave up against Serena's insistence and agreed. The performer stood up with her mug, "I like to hang out by the door at night before bed when I'm home. Care to join me?"
"You bet. I can't remember the last time we had some girl talk," May was happy to join her. She followed Serena outside. They could hear the sounds of Kricketot chirping through Vaniville Town's quiet streets. The coordinator took in the clear and starry night sky over Kalos. She adored the view of the stars from small towns.
Serena caught her staring, "Beautiful, isn't it? It's why I come out here." May nodded. Some twinkled more than others, but she could make out images from the stars. The coordinator shared how she and Ash would picture Pokémon when they stargazed. Serena enjoyed listening to her speak of the boy who changed their lives. She knew that Ash made May happy and May made Ash happy, even during difficult times. "Speaking of Ash, I'm relieved that you got him back to his normal self," Serena confessed.
May leaned on the wooden beam of her house, "It wasn't easy." A confused Serena raised an eyebrow. "I'd gotten frustrated by how we were doing nothing, and I couldn't bear it anymore. When I talked to Ash, I was hard on him." May sighed, "I tried so many times, but he gave me no choice by the end of it. I had to remind him what was at stake." Serena understood where May was coming from. The performer knew the events at Oak's were just as hard for all of them as Ash. "At one point in my rant, I reminded him of how Sapphire almost attacked you. I think that was enough to jolt him into action."
Serena jerked back, "Because of me?" The Kalos Queen wasn't sure of what else to say. She tried her best to suppress her blush when May nodded.
The coordinator saw Serena turn away. She mustered a warm grin, "You still like him, don't you?"
Serena tried to hide her eyes, but she knew that May was already onto her. She couldn't lie to her best friend. She knew May deserved her honesty. "I'm sorry, May," the performer sighed.
May nodded sideways, "It can't be helped. It's Ash." The coordinator rubbed Serena's arm to ease the tension she felt.
Serena looked at her. She had a sheepish smile. "He is special." The girls agreed on that. They were lucky to have him in their lives.
May hugged her. "Just so you know, I'm still grateful for our adventure together. I know traveling with us was hard." The brunette squeezed her harder. "You're like a sister to me."
"And you're mine," Serena returned May's squeeze. When they pulled away, Serena relaxed. "You're Ash's person. I'm grateful that he has you," the performer held May's hands.
It was May's turn to become sheepish. "Serena, I'm sorry you never got to tell Ash how you felt." Serena got caught off guard by her apology. May cupped Serena's hands. "There's something that I've wondered from time to time." Her eyes glistened. Serena questioned what it was. "Please tell me that you didn't keep it from Ash for my sake," May hoped.
Serena's eyes grew. "May, why are you saying this?" The performer looked into May's watery eyes almost as if they carried some guilt.
"Because I know what it's like to bottle up your feelings, and I wouldn't want to put anyone through that. It's selfish," May raised Serena's hands. The coordinator smiled through the burden she felt.
"You think I should've told him?" Serena tried to follow her.
May nodded. "Sometimes I wish you did, so I'd know if Ash felt something for you."
May's words clicked for Serena. She tried to rid May of her self-reproach. "May, Ash chose you. You make him happier than I ever could. I believe he wouldn't have it any other way."
A blushing May pulled her hands. She valued Serena's support for her. "I guess we'll never know." Serena lowered her head, hoping May wouldn't ponder on it going forward. "Good night, Serena," May hugged her before she went inside.
Serena formed a soft smile. "Good night, May." The performer watched the coordinator head inside, leaving her to stare at the stars alone. Unbeknownst to them, Red observed their interaction from his bedroom window. He grinned and made his way to bed once he and Serena finished gazing at the sky.
Serena lifted her face as she went down the escalator. "Hey, Ash! There's just one more thing!" The performer's eyes lit up as she ran up the escalator. Ash raised his eyebrows in surprise as she sprinted against the escalator's motion. Serena was determined to reach the top. She had to give Ash a sincere goodbye. When she reached the top, Serena saw Ash's eyes focus on her. Serena leaned forward to plant him a kiss. Her heart almost burst from the rush when she stood at the tip of her feet. The girl couldn't contain her blush after the escalator pulled her away, but she saw the shine in Ash's eyes. He smiled and she never forgot that.
Serena opened her eyes. She found herself on her couch at home. The dream felt so real she was convinced it happened until she woke up. "That dream again," Serena sighed. She sat up and saw daylight.
"Fletch, fletchling," Fletchling landed on her head. The bird was surprised.
The performer smirked, "Surprised you didn't have to wake me up this time, huh? Don't worry, Fletchling. I'll handle the rest." Serena got up. It was time for her to wake her friends and help them retrieve the next plate. As it turns out, Serena did need Fletchling's Peck to provide assistance. A startled Ash fell out of bed after a pecking, prompting May to wake up while Serena apologized for the measure. The couple dragged themselves out of bed, but Serena didn't find Red when she entered the guest room. When she looked out the window, she found him standing on the road. He was ready to go. "He's more of an early bird than you, Fletchling," Serena murmured to the Kalos bird.
An amazed Fletchling stood on her shoulder, "Fletchling fletch." The bird gave credit where credit was due. The performer settled for wearing her red jacket and blue ribbon. She noted that she hadn't worn the outfit since she traveled with Ash, May, Clemont, and Bonnie. It was funny to don them again for another adventure with them. She put the jacket over a pink shirt and grabbed her hat. Afterward, she found her mother fixing up her room.
"Heading out without breakfast?" Grace questioned.
"I packed for the road. They're raring to go," Serena smiled.
"And are you?" Grace walked over to her. She smiled at her beloved daughter.
Serena crossed her arms, "Why wouldn't I be?"
Her mother grabbed her shoulders, "I know what they mean to you, honey. I know what Ash means to you. You're a lovely friend, Serena. Never stop shining the way you do." Grace embraced her daughter.
"Mom, I'll be back by tomorrow," Serena insisted. She wondered where the sudden affection came from. Nevertheless, she treasured it.
Grace chuckled, "We'll see." The mother knew better than that. Serena's mom wished them a safe travel outside their home when they gathered. Ash and his company thanked Grace again for her kindness. They reassured her that they'd get back safe and took off. Grace watched her dearest daughter depart with her friends until they turned the corner. She thought of Serena as she stood outside the house, "I'm so proud of you." Grace returned inside with Fletchling.
"Fletch?" Fletchling noticed a tear.
"I don't know. I guess I'm just being silly," Grace laughed off her companion's concern. They shut the door behind them. The journey from Vaniville Town to the Unknown Dungeon proved uneventful for the heroes, which was a relief to Red. However, the surrounding woodland area of the Unknown Dungeon was quiet. It was too quiet.
Red led the way, "There it is." The trainer saw the cave entrance.
"It's a small cave," May observed it.
"If it's smaller, that should make it easier to find the cave," Ash concluded.
Serena looked around for signs of Pokémon, "There's nothing here. It's almost eerie."
Red agreed, "Keep your guard up. For all we know, one of them might already be here." He peered through the thick forest for signs of Sapphire or any of her followers. Ash, May, and Serena followed close behind. When they entered the cave, they found an open space with a gap in the ceiling that allowed sunlight to break through. Water dripped from above, forming a small puddle at the center of the cave.
"It's small, but I don't see any sign of the plate. Are we sure it's here?" May pulled out her Rotom Phone. Her eyes widened when she saw it had no signal. "That's not good," May informed them of the inconvenience.
"Let's just take a look around. The plate might be under our noses," Ash walked around the area, looking under every rock possible. The others did the same, but they were having no luck. Just as Ash bent over to look behind a boulder, he felt Lucario's aura activate. Ash turned around, "Huh?"
"You felt that, too?" Red also turned around.
"So did I," May felt goosebumps.
Serena looked back and forth between them. "Felt what?" Suddenly, Ash and Red's Lucario voluntarily came out of their Pokéballs alongside May's Blaziken and Serena's Delphox. The performer felt the temperature in the room cool when she saw the Pokémon look up.
"There!" Ash saw the Mind Plate hover down to them, but it wasn't alone. May and Serena were alarmed by their sudden presence. It was them that the Pokémon sensed.
Red had the Pokémon step away to make room for the newcomers. "It's been a while," Red addressed one of the familiar faces.
"We've been expecting you," one of the Mewtwo looked at Ash.
"The plate has been waiting," the other Mewtwo looked at Red, May, and Serena.
Ash pointed at one of them, "Wait, you're the Mewtwo that fought Team Rocket!"
"And you're the Mewtwo from Unova!" May deduced.
"It's been a long time," the more masculine Mewtwo responded to Ash.
The more feminine Mewtwo smiled at May, "I'm glad we haven't been forgotten."
"Mewtwo," Serena muttered. She'd heard stories of them from Ash and May, and she'd heard rumors of a strong Pokémon that inhabited the Unknown Dungeon. Nonetheless, she never expected it to be two Mewtwo.
Red and the Pokémon locked their eyes on them, "You've been guarding the Mind Plate, is that right?"
The Mewtwo nodded. "We know who and what endangers the plates. The threat stirs. Our duty is to guard the Mind Plate." The pair said at the same time.
"We came to get the plate so we could protect it," May presented their case.
"Of course, you have. Your noble hearts saved us both," the Mewtwo from Unova eyed May.
The Mewtwo from Kanto agreed, "More than once."
"However, we will judge whether you are fit to protect the plate." The Mewtwo stepped back until they glowed. The familiar transformation stunned the heroes. There was no denying the energy that came from them. The Mewtwo concentrated, "Are you ready?"
"They mega evolved," Serena gasped. She noted the Mewtwo from Kanto mega evolved into Mewtwo X and the other into Mewtwo Y.
"Legendary Pokémon that can mega evolve. What are the odds?" May scratched her cheek.
"Now or never," Red pulled down the brim of his hat.
"You said it," Ash flipped his hat around.
Mewtwo Y looked at Serena, "You're a special one."
Serena sweated, "Me?! How?!" She pointed at herself.
"You accepted the journey. Your fate is tied to it now," Mewtwo X spread its arms.
"We'll do it together, Serena," May encouraged her.
Serena saw that May had faith in her. When she looked at Ash and Red, she saw that they also believed in her. If they believed in the Kalos Queen, then so should she. "Right, I'm not backing down then," Serena's spirit fired up.
"Delphox!" Delphox raised its branch in the air, conjuring a roaring fire that shot in the air.
"We'll work as a team," Red's Lucario nodded to the other Pokémon. They stood side by side against the Mewtwo with their trainers behind them.
Mewtwo X and Y raised their hands, "It won't be easy." Without warning, the heroes' Pokémon entered a trance that left them under the cloned Pokémon's control. "You'll be tested on the bond between your Pokémon," the Mewtwo challenged them.
"You're joking!" an alarmed May saw the Pokémon turn against them.
"My other Pokéballs aren't working," Ash noticed they were unresponsive. May tried to use her Aether Ring, but it was also unresponsive.
"They're not interested in battling us," Red realized.
Serena panicked, "Then what do we do?"
Red clenched his fist, "We need to be careful. Try to bring your Pokémon to their senses. It's the only way we'll survive."
"Go," the Mewtwo used its power from Mega Evolution to command the veteran Pokémon. They motioned them to attack the trainers.
Delphox raised its branch, "Phox!" Delphox used Mystical Fire on Serena.
"Delphox, stop!" Serena threw herself to the side to avoid it.
Red and Ash's Lucario fired Aura Sphere at them, but they dodged and rolled away. "I need to get to Lucario," Ash gritted his teeth.
"I don't see a better option," Red acknowledged.
Blaziken lunged at May with Blaze Kick, but the coordinator moved to the side. "Blaziken, that's enough!" May scolded it. The Blaze Pokémon delivered a spinning Blaze Kick, but May ducked and fell on her butt.
"Blaziken!" Blaziken roared when it readied a Sky Uppercut.
May refused to move away this time, "I said stop!" Her scream caused Blaziken to halt. The Fire-type Pokémon glared at her as his fist trembled. "I know you remember who I am. You won't let me down. We've known each other since you were my little Torchic," May lowered his fist.
Blaziken sweated, "Ken." It felt like its mind was split in two directions. He felt the coordinator hold his fist with one hand, and the other touched the feathers on his face.
"May," Ash saw her attempt to reach Blaziken. He rolled to the side when Lucario used another Aura Sphere. "Alright, Lucario, come and get me!" Ash spread his arms.
"Ash!" Red and Serena yelled. They saw Ash's Lucario sprint toward Ash using Bullet Punch. Even the Mewtwo were astounded by the boldness displayed by Ash and May.
Serena shifted her attention from the couple to her Delphox. She frowned at her first Pokémon, "Delphox, do you remember when we blew our first performance?" Her words were ignored by the Fox Pokémon. Delphox released another Mystical Fire, forcing Serena to hide behind a boulder. "You won't hurt me because we promised to never fail each other after that. We'd dust ourselves off and keep our heads high," Serena stepped out. She walked toward Delphox, who readied another Mystical Fire. "You're not acting like the Delphox I know, but that doesn't mean I won't fight for you. I'll fight for you even when things look rough. That's how we'll win!" Delphox used Mystical Fire on a defiant Serena. The performer stood her ground once the fire consumed her, but when it dispersed, she was unharmed. "Come back to me, Delphox," Serena's warm voice caused Delphox to crack and drop its branch.
"Del," Delphox fell to its knees, gasping from the exertion of the trance. It remembered how it tripped and the defeat they felt from their first performance, yet Serena didn't give up on her. Tears fell from Delphox's face out of shame. "Phox!" the Fox Pokémon gritted its teeth.
Serena ran to her, "It wasn't your fault then. It wasn't your fault now. I'm here. Don't cry." She caressed her fire Pokémon to settle it down. Serena wiped away her tears and rested her head in its fur. "I know you're with me forever," the performer smiled.
Unlike Serena and May, Ash faced the brunt of Lucario's wrath. He fell to his knees when the Aura Pokémon punched the air out of him. "Nice one," Ash winced as he clenched his chest, still hopeful after watching Serena get through to Delphox. His body went numb when he coughed up blood. Lucario broke out of its trance when it saw its injured trainer. The Aura Pokémon barked out of concern. He kneeled next to Ash to help him get a grip. Ash chuckled through the pain, "I knew that would help."
Emboldened by Serena's success, May continued her stance against Blaziken "That's it, Blaziken. Remember me," May's eyes softened. Blaziken lowered its aggression upon making eye contact. He remembered how May held him as a Torchic. Blaziken could never forget the warmth of her stare or the way his feathers tickled her cheeks. He relied on her like she relied on him. That's what strengthened their bond.
Blaziken's pupils returned to their normal shape, "Blaz." The Blaze Pokémon came to its senses.
May tackled him, "I knew you'd come back to me!"
Red saw the three heroes reconcile with their Pokémon. He turned to his best friend, who stared him down. The trainer glared at Lucario. "It's time we do this how we know best," Red planted his feet. Lucario didn't respond, but he took a battle stance. Suddenly, Lucario used Extreme Speed to punch Red. Red used an Aura Sphere to block the punch. "You're holding back. I can feel it, which means you can hear me. Break free, Lucario. I need you!" Lucario growled. It jumped back to fire another Aura Sphere that Red blocked with his own. "You know that I can't do this without you, but I will fight you if that's what it takes to free you," Red clenched his teeth. Lucario used Extreme Speed again, landing a blow to Red's gut. To everyone's surprise, Red also landed a hit to Lucario's stomach.
"No, Red!" Ash tried to step in until Serena and May stopped him.
"You mustn't," Mewtwo emphasized that this was Red's test. They focused their psychic energy on Red's Lucario to keep it under their trance.
Red and Lucario backed away. They grunted when they dropped to their knees. Both of them panted for air. "That was good," Red chuckled. The trainer lost consciousness and fell forward.
"Red!" Ash and the girls ran to him with their Pokémon, but they were stopped by the mega-evolved Mewtwo's power.
"It's not over," Mewtwo Y said.
Ash complained, "He's lying on the ground! It's over!" He tried to wriggle himself free of their grasp.
"Help him!" May shouted. She also wrestled to break free alongside Ash, Lucario, and Blaziken.
"Guys, look!" Serena and Delphox saw Lucario's eyes change.
Seeing Red fall prompted Lucario to break free of Mewtwo's control. "Red!" The Aura Pokémon ran to his side. He tugged on his trainer. "Get up, I know I didn't punch you that hard!" Lucario barked at him, yet Red stayed unresponsive.
A smirking Red opened one eye. "You fell for it."
"He was faking it?!" May's jaw hung. Ash and Serena were also surprised by the stunt.
"Don't scare me like that," Lucario pouted. He moved away when Red got up.
The Mewtwo nodded in approval. "That's the way."
"I understand now," Red chuckled.
"What do they mean?" Ash and May questioned when the Mewtwo released them from psychic.
"It's how we'll win. If our bonds are strong and deep enough, we help our friends break free. That's how we save them," Serena also understood the lesson.
The Mewtwo agreed with her conclusion. "To think there was a time when I believed strength was all that mattered and that humans and Pokémon could not coexist." Mewtwo X recollected.
The pair spoke in unison. "It will take more than brawn to save our world. You didn't save your Pokémon through power. You saved them through love, but to save them through compassion, you must have courage and devotion. By putting yourselves at the forefront and unburying heartfelt memories, you've proven that you're capable of taking the risks. That goes for trainers and Pokémon alike." Ash, May, and their Pokémon listened.
"I see," Lucario remarked. He nodded at Delphox, Ash's Lucario, and Blaziken. Red's Lucario bowed. "Thank you for reminding us of what matters," he said.
The Mewtwo bowed as they reverted to their normal forms. "Thank you for justifying the faith we have in you," Mewtwo said. Mewtwo Y used Psychic to hand the Mind Plate to Serena. "The plate is yours to protect," Mewtwo X said.
"It will be safer with you," Mewtwo Y entrusted them.
"We promise not to let you down," Serena said, receiving the plate. The curious performer saw the writing on the tablet. "The Original One breathed alone before the universe came."
"Where will you go now?" Ash asked them.
"We will depart. The threat is nigh, but we don't know what it will bring. It's best to remain prepared," Mewtwo X said.
"As for you, the journey continues. May the bond with your Pokémon continue to be your sword and shield. It is how you will prevail," Mewtwo Y highlighted.
The heroes bid them farewell after acknowledging their lesson. "Thank you, Mewtwo!" Ash waved until they disappeared from sight.
"Thank you for reminding us that our Pokémon are fighting with us," May turned to Blaziken.
"As one," Serena looked at Delphox. Ash and Red smiled at their Lucario. The trainers embraced their Aura Pokémon in recognition of their iron wills. Neither human nor Pokémon would take their friendship for granted.
With the Mind Plate secured, the gang made their departure from the Unknown Dungeon. On the way back, Red walked with Serena. "Will you go home now?" Red asked.
"I guess so," Serena pondered.
"I have a question, Serena," Red focused his eyes on her. Serena tilted her head. Red smiled, "The Mewtwo saw something in you, and I believe we could use another traveling companion. I'm asking as a friend. Will you join us on our journey?" Red invited her.
The performer wasn't sure how to respond. Most of all, she didn't expect an invitation from the son of the man she loved. An uncertain Serena looked toward Ash and May, who walked ahead. "I don't know," Serena muttered.
"I don't know how much longer we can go as a party of three. If we want to stop them, we need more friends on our journey," Red argued.
"But why me?" Serena debated in her mind. Given her history with Ash, she wasn't sure if it was proper to tag along.
Red pulled up the brim of his hat. "I've seen how Ash and May interact with you. You may not realize it, but they depend on you more than any of their other friends based on what I've seen. They value your input, empathy, and skillset. Please, Serena. After seeing your actions in the Unknown Dungeon, I know you can make a difference."
"Make a difference?" Serena doubted, but Red gave a reassuring nod. The trainer's eyes reflected confidence in her. She thought about the power of bonds and looked to Ash and May again. They gave her strength. "Maybe I can give them mine now," Serena saw a chance to return the favor. The performer grinned with eyes closed. "You win, Red. I'll come along."
Red also looked to Ash and May. "Thank you, Serena. I know they'll be happy you joined." The pair stared at the couple underneath the twilight sky. Everything seemed at peace in the world, but they knew it was temporary. It would only be temporary as long as Sapphire continued her hunt for the plates. Unfortunately, the peace and quiet of their twilight hour was disturbed when Ash collapsed on his knees. A throbbing pain in his head caused him to groan. "Ash!" Red, May, and Serena aided him.
"Ash, what's the matter?!" May kneeled by his side. Ash shook his head in an attempt to fight the headache, but it was overwhelming. He heard a ringing in his ear and squeezed May's arm as if his life depended on it. May tried to pull away. "Ash, you're hurting me!"
Serena pulled him away, "Stop, Ash! What's gotten into you?!" Red also helped Serena pull him back.
"Greninja," Ash grunted. He saw his friend in pain followed by visions of Kalos in ruin. "Greninja!" Ash shouted and caught himself to avoid falling forward. He panted when the migraine faded.
"What about Greninja?" Serena leaned over to him.
May leaned over on his other side, "What did you see?"
Ash panted, "He's in danger."
"The bond phenomenon," Red deduced it had something to do with Ash's headache and vision. Red's face looked solemn. He knew that if Greninja was in danger, then so was Kalos.